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Buying a new construction home is an exciting milestone, and your final walkthrough is one of the last steps before you receive the keys. While a newly built home has undergone multiple inspections throughout the construction process, the final walkthrough gives you the opportunity to verify that everything has been completed as expected.
Taking your time during this walkthrough can help ensure your new home is move-in ready and give you confidence before closing.
What Is a Final Walkthrough?
A final walkthrough is an inspection completed shortly before closing. During this visit, buyers walk through the property with the builder or representative to confirm that the home has been completed according to the purchase agreement.
This is also the ideal time to identify any cosmetic touch-ups or minor issues that should be addressed before or shortly after closing.
Start With the Exterior
Before entering the home, inspect the outside of the property.
Look for:
- Exterior paint or siding issues
- Driveway and sidewalks
- Landscaping
- Irrigation systems
- Gutters and downspouts
- Exterior lighting
- Garage door operation
Taking a few minutes outside helps ensure everything has been completed properly.
Check Every Door and Window
Open and close every door and window throughout the home.
Make sure they:
- Open smoothly
- Lock securely
- Seal properly
- Show no visible damage
Even small alignment issues are easier to resolve before moving in.
Test the Plumbing
Run every faucet and flush every toilet.
While doing so, check for:
- Proper water pressure
- Hot and cold water
- Slow drains
- Visible leaks beneath sinks
- Proper drainage
Testing every fixture now can help prevent future surprises.
Verify Electrical Components
Walk through each room and test:
- Light switches
- Ceiling fans
- Electrical outlets
- GFCI outlets
- Exterior lighting
Confirm that all installed fixtures operate correctly.
Inspect Kitchen Appliances
The kitchen is one of the most frequently used spaces in any home.
Verify that all included appliances are functioning correctly and inspect:
- Cabinets
- Countertops
- Drawers
- Sink
- Garbage disposal (if included)
- Dishwasher
- Oven
- Microwave
Open every cabinet and drawer to check for smooth operation.
Test the Heating and Cooling System
Florida homeowners depend heavily on reliable air conditioning.
Ask your builder to demonstrate:
- Thermostat controls
- Heating and cooling modes
- Airflow from vents
Understanding how your HVAC system operates makes future maintenance easier.
Look for Cosmetic Finishes
Walk slowly through every room and inspect:
- Paint
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Baseboards
- Trim
- Tile
- Grout
- Cabinets
Small cosmetic items are common and can usually be added to the builder’s punch list.
Create a Punch List
If you notice any concerns, write them down.
Common punch list items include:
- Paint touch-ups
- Cabinet adjustments
- Loose hardware
- Door alignment
- Window adjustments
- Minor drywall repairs
Documenting these items helps ensure they’re addressed before or shortly after closing.
Keep Your Warranty Information
Once you move in, keep all warranty documents, appliance manuals, and maintenance information in a safe place.
Understanding your builder warranty helps you know what may be covered during your first years of homeownership.
Final Thoughts
A careful final walkthrough is one of the most valuable steps in the homebuying process. Taking the time to inspect your new construction home allows you to move in with greater confidence and helps ensure any remaining items are documented before closing.
For buyers considering a newly built home, being prepared during your final walkthrough can make the transition into homeownership much smoother.
